United Kingdom and Japan, signed a joint memorandum, united for the creation of a new engine for combat aircraft, writes The Drive.
The publication reminds that London is currently working on the Tempest project involving the development of the next generation fighter, while Tokyo supports the similar FX program. Both aircraft must be doubled.
Work on a joint demonstration sample of the power unit should begin at the beginning of 2022, when the United Kingdom will invest 30 million pounds of sterling (40 million dollars) in “Planning, digital and innovative production development”. Even 200 million pounds of sterling ($ 267 million) are planned to be sent to the creation of an experimental platform at the Rolls-Royce group. From the Japanese side, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries (IHI) are involved in the program.
The Drive notes that it is currently not clear whether it is about creating a common fighter, one engine for two aircraft or a single platform for the development of a power unit. The publication recalls that Italy and Sweden also take part in the Tempest project, while Spain, France and Germany are planning to create their own aircraft.
In December 2020, Tempest team working on the same British fighter of the sixth generation, and the Royal UK Air Force showed the next images of this aircraft.
In July 2018, the French company Dassault Aviation published on its youtube channel video depicting the European fighter fifth generation. It is assumed that the plane will replace fourth-generation fighters Dassault Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon.